9:35 AM,
Jun. 5, 2014

Residents of Jakarta, Indonesia, attempt to break a world record for the most sky lanterns flown simultaneously in 2009.

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Sheboygan Press Media

Sheboygan Fire Chief Mike Romas wants to ban sky lanterns in the city because he believes they are a dangerous fire hazard. He isn't alone.

The U.S. Fire Marshals Association last summer adopted a resolution urging states to ban the sale and use of sky lanterns, which are essentially small hot air balloons made of paper with an opening at the bottom where a small fire is suspended. At least two dozen states and many local jurisdictions have banned them. Others have imposed strict regulations on their use.

Fire safety officials say it is too difficult to monitor and control where the lanterns ...